Freshdesk vs Help Scout
Compare Freshdesk and Help Scout on features, pricing, and buyer fit using the same researched criteria.
Freshdesk
Helpdesk and omnichannel ticketing from Freshworks — Growth from $19/agent/mo annual with 14-day trial.
Best for
- • Omnichannel helpdesk ticketing
- • SLA and routing on paid tiers
Starting from $19.00/user/mo
No free plan
VS
Our verdict
No universal winner. Choose based on which criteria matter most for your team.
Freshdesk is better for
- ✓ Ticketing depth
- ✓ Live chat
- ✓ Omnichannel inbox
- ✓ SLA & routing
Help Scout is better for
- ✓ Free plan
- ✓ Knowledge base
Tie
- • AI features
Choose Freshdesk if: Omnichannel helpdesk ticketing
Choose Help Scout if: SMB shared inbox with a free 5-user tier
Help Scout
SMB shared inbox and helpdesk — free for up to 5 users; Standard $25, Plus $45, Pro $75 user/mo annual.
Best for
- • SMB shared inbox with a free 5-user tier
- • Docs-first self-service
Starting from $0.00/user/mo
Free plan available
Freshdesk vs Help Scout pricing
Research 2026-08-18 from first-party pages. Help Scout AI Answers can add variable cost. Affiliate economics excluded.
Freshdesk
From $19.00/user/mo
Help Scout
From $0.00/user/mo
Freshdesk
Starting from $19.00/user/mo
Free trial available
- GrowthPopular$19.00/user/mo
- $19/agent/mo billed annually — entry paid helpdesk tier.
- Pro$55.00/user/mo
- $55/agent/mo billed annually — advanced automations and routing.
- Enterprise$89.00/user/mo
- $89/agent/mo billed annually — enterprise controls and sandbox.
Help Scout
Starting from $0.00/user/mo
Free trial available
- Free$0.00/user/mo
- Free for up to 5 users — entry SMB shared inbox.
- max users: 5
- Standard$25.00/user/mo
- $25/user/mo annual — core shared inbox and docs.
- PlusPopular$45.00/user/mo
- $45/user/mo annual — workflows, routing, and light automations.
- Pro$75.00/user/mo
- $75/user/mo annual — advanced permissions and API depth.
Estimate your team cost
Monthly estimate from verified per-seat list pricing. Confirm on the vendor site before purchasing.
Freshdesk
$285.00/mo
Help Scout
$0.00/mo
+$285.00/mo — Freshdesk costs more
Verified monthly unit prices · Aug 18, 2026
Prices in USD
Shown per user / month from verified list pricing.
Plans can change
Confirm live vendor rates before purchasing.
Add-ons may apply
Calling, SMS, or usage fees can add cost.
Independence
Affiliate status never changes pricing outcomes.
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